Any connection between the caste system and untouchability in India and Japan?

As far as I'm aware no one knows how far back the Indian caste system goes but I was interested to learn about the caste system and untouchability that existed (in some ways, still exists) in Japan. Anyone know any interesting connections?

Here's some info on the Japanese system:

Japan's formal caste system, known as the mibunsei, was established during the Edo period (1603–1868) under the Tokugawa shogunate. This hierarchy placed samurai at the top, followed by farmers, artisans, and merchants. Below these classes were groups collectively termed burakumin (literally "hamlet people"), who were subjected to severe discrimination due to their occupations, which were considered "impure" under Shinto and Buddhist beliefs (e.g., leatherworking, butchery, or executioner roles). This system institutionalized untouchability, restricting burakumin to segregated communities and limiting their social mobility.

The caste system was officially abolished in 1871 following the Meiji Restoration, through the Emancipation Edict (Kaihōrei). This means the legal framework for caste-based untouchability ended 153 years ago (as of 2024). However, social discrimination against burakumin persisted well into the 20th century and continues residually today, despite legal reforms and anti-discrimination efforts.